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Mathematics (Specification A)
Specification
Acknowledgements
This specification has been produced by Edexcel on the basis of consultation with teachers,
examiners, consultants and other interested parties. Edexcel would like to thank all those who
contributed their time and expertise to its development.
References to third-party material made in this specification are made in good faith. Edexcel
does not endorse, approve or accept responsibility for the content of materials, which may be
subject to change, or any opinions expressed therein. (Material may include textbooks, journals,
magazines and other publications and websites.)
Qualification content 5
Knowledge, skills and understanding 5
Papers 1F and 2F (Foundation Tier) 7
Papers 3H and 4H (Higher Tier) 21
Assessment 31
Assessment summary 31
Assessment Objectives and weightings 31
Relationship of Assessment Objectives to Papers for IGCSE 32
Entering your students for assessment 32
Student entry 32
Combinations of entry 32
Access arrangements and special requirements 32
Assessing your students 33
Awarding and reporting 33
Language of assessment 33
Malpractice and plagiarism 33
Student recruitment 34
Progression 34
Grade descriptions 34
Appendices 39
Appendix 1: Suggested resources 41
Appendix 2: Formulae sheet for Foundation Tier 43
Appendix 3: Formulae sheet for Higher Tier 45
Specification at a glance
This Edexcel IGCSE qualification is comprised of two externally assessed papers.
Students are entered at either Foundation Tier or Higher Tier.
Foundation Tier students will take papers 1F and 2F. Questions in the Foundation Tier paper are
targeted at grades in the range C – G. The highest grade which will be awarded at Foundation
Tier is grade C.
Higher Tier students will take Papers 3H and 4H. Questions in the Higher Tier paper are
targeted at grades in the range A*– D. There is a ‘safety net’ grade E for students who narrowly
fail to achieve grade D.
Students who fail to achieve grade G on Foundation Tier or grade E on Higher Tier will be
awarded Ungraded.
External assessment
In all examination papers:
• diagrams will not necessarily be drawn to scale and measurements should not be taken from
diagrams unless instructions to this effect are given
• each student may be required to use mathematical instruments, eg pair of compasses, ruler,
protractor
• calculators may be used
• tracing paper may be used
• formulae sheets will be provided.
• +, −, ×, ÷, x 2, √x, memory, brackets, xy, x y , sine, cosine, tangent and their inverses.
The electronic calculator to be used by students attempting Higher Tier examination papers (3H
and 4H) should have these functions as a minimum:
1
• +, −, ×, ÷, x 2, √x, memory, constant function, brackets, xy, x y , x , Σx, Σfx, standard form,
sine, cosine, tangent and their inverses.
Calculators with any of the following facilities are prohibited in all examinations:
• databanks; retrieval of text or formulae; QWERTY keyboards; built-in symbolic algebra
manipulations; symbolic differentiation or integration.
Number
• Use numerical skills in a purely mathematical way and in real-life situations.
Algebra
• Use letters as equivalent to numbers and as variables.
• Understand the distinction between expressions, equations and formulae.
• Use algebra to set up and solve problems.
• Demonstrate manipulative skills.
• Construct and use graphs.
Geometry
• Use properties of angles.
• Understand a range of transformations.
• Work within the metric system.
• Understand ideas of space and shape.
• Use ruler, compasses and protractor appropriately.
Statistics
• Understand basic ideas of statistical averages.
• Use a range of statistical techniques.
• Use basic ideas of probability.
Content overview
• Number
– Numbers and the number system
• Algebra
– Equations, formulae and identities
– Sequences, functions and graphs
• Geometry
– Shape, space and measure
– Vectors and transformation geometry
• Statistics
Assessment overview
• Two written papers.
• Each paper is assessed through a two-hour examination set and marked by Edexcel.
• The total number of marks for each paper is 100.
• Each paper weighted at 50% of the qualification, targeted at grades C – G.
2
x 1
=
x
5
x3
the equation 4x – 2 = 10 − x
5x + 17 = 3(x + 6)
15 − x
=2
4
1 1
6
x+ 3
x=5
set up simple linear equations from given data The three angles of a
triangle are a°,
(a + 10)°, (a + 20)°.
Find the value of a
2.5 Proportion Higher Tier only.
2.6 Simultaneous calculate the exact solution of two simple y = 2x, x + y = 12
linear equations simultaneous equations in two unknowns
x + y = 14, x − y = 2
2.7 Quadratic Higher Tier only.
equations
2.8 Inequalities understand and use the symbols >, <, ≥ and ≤ To include double-
ended inequalities eg
1<x≤5
understand and use the convention for open and
closed intervals on a number line
solve simple linear inequalities in one variable 3x − 2 < 10, so x < 4
and represent the solution set on a number line
7 − x ≤ 5, so 2 ≤ x
represent simple linear inequalities on
rectangular cartesian graphs
identify regions on rectangular cartesian graphs Shade the region
defined by simple linear inequalities defined by the
inequalities x ≥ 0,
y ≥ 1, x + y ≤ 5
Conventions for the
inclusion of
boundaries are not
required
4 Geometry
6 Statistics
Content overview
Knowledge of the Foundation Tier content is assumed for students being prepared for the
Higher Tier.
• Number
– Numbers and the number system
• Algebra
– Equations, formulae and identities
– Sequences, functions and graphs
• Geometry
– Shape, space and measure
– Vectors and transformation geometry
• Statistics
Assessment overview
• Two written papers.
• Each paper is assessed through a two-hour examination set and marked by Edexcel.
• The total number of marks for each paper is 100.
• Each paper weighted at 50% of the qualification, targeted at grades A* – D.
(64t ) , a2 ×a4
2
3 3
1
a3
2.2 Algebraic expand the product of two linear (2x + 3)(3x – 1)
manipulation expressions
(2x – y)(3x + y)
understand the concept of a quadratic Factorise:
expression and be able to factorise such
x2 + 12x – 45
expressions
6x2 – 5x – 4
manipulate algebraic fractions where the Express as a single
numerator and/or the denominator can be fraction:
numeric, linear or quadratic
x +1 x − 3
+
3 4
3(4 x − 1) 2(5 x + 3)
−
2 3
3 4
−
2 x 3x
3 2
+
1− x 1+ x
x +1 x − 2
−
x + 2 x −1
Factorise and simplify:
x − 4x
2
x − x − 12
2
l
T = 2π ;
g
make l the subject
f(x) = x+ 3 ,
exclude x < –3
understand and find the composite ‘fg’ will mean ‘do g
function fg and the inverse function f −1 first, then f’
3.3 Graphs plot and draw graphs with equation:
y = Ax3 + Bx2 + Cx + D in which:
(i) the constants are integers and some y = x3,
could be zero
y = 3x3 – 2x2 + 5x – 4,
(ii) the letters x and y can be replaced
y = 2x3 – 6x + 2,
with any other two letters
V = 60w(60 – w)
or:
y = Ax3 + Bx2 + Cx + D + E/x + F/x2
in which:
(i) the constants are numerical and at 1
y= , x ≠ 0,
least three of them are zero x
(ii) the letters x and y can be replaced y = 2x2 + 3x + 1/x,
with any other two letters x ≠ 0,
1
y= (3x2 – 5),
x
x ≠ 0,
5
W= ,d≠0
d2
find the gradients of non-linear graphs By drawing a tangent
4 Geometry
OC = 3a + 2b + c
CA = −c – 2b
apply vector methods for simple
geometrical proofs
5.2 Transformation See Foundation Tier. Column vectors may be
geometry used to define
translations
6 Statistics
Assessment summary
Papers 1F, 2F, 3H and 4H are externally assessed through examination papers each lasting
two hours.
Assessment Objective
Total for AO1,
Paper number AO1 AO2 AO3 AO2 and AO3
Total for IGCSE 55% 25% 20% 100%
(Higher – Papers
3H and 4H)
Student entry
Students are entered at either Foundation Tier or Higher Tier.
Details of how to enter students for this qualification can be found in Edexcel’s International
Information Manual, copies of which (in CD format) are sent to all active Edexcel centres. The
information can also be found on Edexcel’s international website:
www.edexcel-international.org/sfc/academic/infomanual.
Combinations of entry
There are no forbidden combinations.
Language of assessment
Assessment of this specification will be available in English only. Assessment materials will be
published in English only and all work submitted for examination and moderation must be
produced in English.
Progression
This qualification supports progression to:
• IGCSE in Further Pure Mathematics
• GCE AS and Advanced Level in Mathematics
• GCE AS and Advanced Level in Further Mathematics
• GCE AS and Advanced Level in Pure Mathematics
• GCE and other further qualifications in numerate disciplines, such as the sciences,
economics or business
• further education or employment where mathematics skills are required.
Grade descriptions
The following grade descriptions indicate the level of attainment characteristic of the given
grade at IGCSE. They give a general indication of the required learning outcomes at each
specified grade. The descriptions should be interpreted in relation to the content outlined in the
specification; they are not designed to define that content. The grade awarded will depend in
practice upon the extent to which the candidate has met the Assessment Objectives overall.
Shortcomings in some aspects of the examination may be balanced by better performance in
others.
Grade A
Candidates understand and use direct and inverse proportion. They manipulate algebraic
formulae, equations and expressions, finding common factors and multiplying two linear
expressions. In simplifying algebraic expressions, they use rules of indices for negative and
fractional values. In finding formulae that approximately connect data, candidates express
general laws in symbolic form. They solve problems using intersections and gradients of graphs.
Candidates use Pythagoras’ Theorem when solving problems in two and three dimensions. They
calculate lengths of circular arcs and areas of sectors, and calculate the surface area of cylinders
and volumes of cones and spheres.
Candidates interpret and construct histograms. They recognise when and how to work with
probabilities associated with independent and mutually exclusive events.
Training
A programme of professional development and training courses, covering various aspects of the
specification and examination, will be arranged by Edexcel. Full details can be obtained from
our website: www.edexcel.org.uk.
Textbooks
For this Edexcel IGCSE, the following suggested titles could be used as teaching aids.
The books listed are not to be regarded as either recommended by Edexcel or as mandatory for
IGCSE qualifications. The internet is also valuable as a tool for research and learning.
Please note that while resources are checked at the time of publication, materials may be
withdrawn from circulation and website locations may change at any time.
Endorsed books
• Appleton M, Demetriou D, Huby D and Kranat J – IGCSE Mathematics for Edexcel
(Oxford University Press, 2007) ISBN 9780199152629
• Johnson T and Clough T – Edexcel IGCSE Mathematics Practice (Hodder Murray 2008)
ISBN 9780340966273
• Metcalf P – IGCSE Mathematics for Edexcel (Collins Education, 2006)
ISBN 9780007755486
• Smith A – IGCSE Mathematics for Edexcel (Hodder Murray 2008) ISBN 9780340945414
• Turner D, Potts I, Waite W and Hony V – Longman Mathematics for IGCSE Book 1
(Longman, 2005) ISBN 9781405802116
• Turner D, Potts I, Waite W and Hony V – Longman Mathematics for IGCSE Book 2
(Longman, 2005) ISBN 9781405802123
• Turner D and Potts I – Longman Mathematics for IGCSE Practice Book 2 (Longman, 2007)
ISBN 9781405865043
• Turner D and Potts I – Longman Mathematics for IGCSE Practice Book 1 (Longman, 2007)
ISBN 9781405865036
• Turner D, Potts I, Waite W and Hony V – Longman Mathematics for IGCSE ActiveTeach 1
(Longman, 2007) ISBN 9781405865876
• Turner D, Potts I, Waite W and Hony V – Longman Mathematics for IGCSE ActiveTeach 2
(Longman, 2007) ISBN 9781405865883
• Revision Guide for IGCSE Maths Higher Tier (ZigZag Education)
Area of trapezium = 1
2 ( a + b) h
Pythagoras’
theorem c
b
2 2 2
a +b =c
opp
or sin θ = ⎯⎯ Volume of prism = area of cross section × length
hyp hyp
opp
adj
θ
cos θ = ⎯⎯
hyp
adj
opp
tan θ = ⎯⎯
adj
Area of trapezium = 1
2 ( a + b) h
r
The quadratic equation
The solutions of ax2 + bx + c = 0
where a ≠ 0, are given by
r